The acquisition of measurement data is a central aspect of scientific and experimental investigations. In research and industry, almost exclusively quantitative studies are carried out. Even in our everyday lives, smartphones and smartwatches measure parameters ranging from battery voltage to our heartbeat. In schools and student laboratories, however, quantitative studies can hardly be carried out experimentally in all subject areas for a variety of reasons. There is often simply a lack of financial resources to purchase and maintain the necessary equipment (in sufficient numbers). In addition, many available devices are often designed for professional use in laboratory analysis and research, which makes it difficult for teachers and students to operate them.

The LabPi project

The LabPi project addresses this challenge. The basic aim is to develop a digital measuring station that offers new experimental possibilities for use in schools, student laboratories and universities without the need for any prior programming work. Instead of individual solutions for each measured variable, an open and adaptable measuring station is being developed to which various sensors can be connected as required. By combining inexpensive single-board computers with precise miniature sensors and free software, a wide range of measurement data can be collected, evaluated and compared with the associated internet platform in real time. The low cost per device also makes it possible to purchase class sets; in conjunction with innovative teaching and learning concepts of STEM Education 4.0, this opens up new possibilities and examination formats for schools, student laboratories and university teaching.

Prototype of the LabPi measuring station

This is achieved by combining suitable minicomputers and powerful (miniature) sensors. The modular design allows numerous measured values such as pH value, conductivity, pressure, temperature etc. to be recorded individually or in combination. The use of low-cost components and proprietary software should also reduce the cost of the equipment to such an extent that the purchase of several stations - or even a class set - becomes realistic for schools and student laboratories.

For the evaluation of experiments, simple, visual and advanced evaluation options should find direct appeal with the help of LabPi. Evaluation can be carried out directly on the measuring station, but integration into spreadsheet programs is also possible. Overall, LabPi is intended to use the potential of digitalization to open up new (collaborative) teaching-learning opportunities in the context of STEM Education 4.0 for teaching and to use them profitably.

Networking possibilities of LabPi through the associated cloud platform COMPare

Further information - in particular the platform for networking Lab Pi - can also be found on the project homepage www.labpi.de.